MONTGOMERY, Ala—Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) Robert A.
McDonald
has appointed W. Clyde Marsh, Alabama Department of
Veterans Affairs commissioner, Chairman of the VA’s Geriatrics and Gerontology
Advisory Committee (GGAC).
“I am honored to
serve in this capacity and to represent all veterans at the national level,”
said Marsh, a retired US Navy rear admiral. “Older
veterans have special health care needs. As the chairman of this committee, I
want to guide the VA’s efforts in delivering the best possible care and services
to our aging veterans.”
The VA estimates that by 2020, nearly 50 percent of veterans will be
65 or older.
The Veteran’s Health
Administration operates 21 Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Centers
(GRECC). The VA GRECCs are leaders in the area of research on the aging process
and health care needs of the elderly. The GGAC provides advice to the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs and the Under Secretary for Health on matters for improving
and expanding the VA’s capability to meet the medical, psychological and social
needs of older veterans. It also advises the VA on advances in geriatric and
gerontology research, the training of health care personnel, and the development
of improved models of clinical services for older veterans. The GGAC also
reports to congress as a congressionally mandated committee.